Ed Tech Innovator
Hard to believe it, but Nikole Blanchard was part of a pilot program at Louisiana State University (LSU) where student teachers used laptops in the field. Nikole was blown away by the way students’ needs could be met with technology. Pursuing this interest, Nikole graduated from LSU with a Masters of Arts in Educational Technology.
Throughout her years in education, she has always continued to learn and discover. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher, Apple Distinguished Educator, Apple Teacher, Swift Playground Teacher, Google Certified Trainer, PBS Learning Media Innovator and Microsoft Innovating Educator. In 2017, Nikole was invited to be part of the Sweden 2017 cohort as a Google Innovator.
A current highlight for Nikole was speaking on the stage alongside Tim Cook at an Apple Education Keynote. Nikole was able to share about The Dunham School’s journey in educational technology with the world. This was the first time in history that non-Apple employees spoke at an Apple event and that 5 woman were included in the keynote.
Nikole is extremely passionate about networking and learning from other educators! She started a Technology Leaders Network in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2016, she joined ISTE’s Innovation Teaching PLN as a leader. She is a member of Global Collaboration PLN as the Playground Chair at the annual ISTE Conference. In 2019, Nikole was elected to the ISTE Board as a Member at Large.
Her greatest passion is helping schools around the world create technology programs. She has traveled as an Apple Distinguished Educator sharing philosophies and personal stories. She is also a consultant for many schools in Louisiana.
Nikole taught in public schools for eight years and is currently the Director of Innovation and Technology at The Dunham School, an independent school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The school has been recognized five consecutive years as an Apple Distinguished School. Under her leadership, 93 teachers completed Apple Teacher.
In her spare time, Nikole enjoys spending time with family. Nothing is better than tailgating for an LSU Tiger game while enjoying jambalaya and fried oysters! Geaux Tigers!
Ed Tech Yall 